Nonprofit Overview

Mission: The second wind lung transplant association of st. Louis is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization devoted to improving the quality of life for lung transplant recipients, lung surgery candidates, people with related pulmonary concerns, and their families by providing support, advocacy, education, information and guidance through a spirit of service.

Community Stories

3 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

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Second Wind Lung Transplant Association helps pre and post-transplant patients who need financial assistance during the long transplant journey. Last year Second Wind awarded $60,000. in assistance for pharmaceuticals, medical co-pays, lodging and transportation needs. This is an all volunteer organization. Operational expenses are kept to the bare minimum in order to maximize the organization's goal to help as many patients as possible.

I was referred to Second Wind by a social worker at my hospital when I was having a difficult time paying for a piece of medical equipment after my second, double lung transplant. After providing a bit of information to the board of directors, I was given the assistance to pay for the piece of medical equipment was essential to a healthy recovery. Ever since that day, I’ve been dedicated to Second Wind and its mission to help those dealing with lung transplants. Second Wind also provides open support meetings for those needing personal support, which I have utilized on several occasions. This organization has become so important to me, that I have recently become one the board members. I’m so thankful for finding Second Wind and looking forward to a long future with the organization.

St. Louis (STL) Second Wind is an entirely volunteer staffed organization. Every dollar raised or donated goes directly to the support lung transplant patients.
The Second Wind Assistance Fund provides financial support to meet emergency needs for patientswho are pre and/or post transplant. Unlike many other organ transplants, those waiting for lungs must relocated to be near their transplant center - often for many months until a donor match is found. Even after transplant, the patient must remain near the center to be monitored and for phyical rehabilitation. All of this and maintaining their permanant homes often results in expenses that are beyond what can be met with their disabilty or family income.
That's where STL Second Wind comes in - help with utilities, medication costs, travel expenses - there is a myriad of ways the The Assisatance Fund can provide relief to qualified lung transplant patients with unexpected or emergency costs.
While most of the Board and membership is comprised of transplant patients and their families, there a a large number of people, myself included, that have become involved with STL Second Wind just because of the great work this organization does. And by being involved with STL Second Wind, I've been witness to miracle after miracle of new life through organ transplant.